Can your landlord raise the rent anytime that they want during the term that you have signed your lease for?

Question

I moved into my new apartment 4 days ago, and I signed a lease stating that I would pay $595 a month for a year. Yesterday I came to my apartment and there was a note attached to my door that said that "since my lease had renewed the rental rate had been raised. The new rate is now $605 a month." Is it possible for my landlord to raise my rates after I have signed a lease for $595 a month and only been living in the apartment for 4 days?

Answer 1

Even if there is a clause that states your landlord can raise the rent see if 72 FULL hours has passed. The fourth day can really mean the fourth day but not 72 whole hours. Most states have a buyer's remorse period where any contract signed can be negated within the first 72 hours. Therefore, check the lease. Most standard leases do not allow a rate increase during the lease term. Also since the terminology in the notice is incorrect, that notice is not binding. The notice stated "...since the lease has renewed...". This is not a lease renewal. This is a new lease. As always, please contact an attorney for professional legal advice. This answer depends a lot on state and local law surrounding the apartment.

Answer 2

Usually when you sign a lease, it means you stay at the rent rate for the term of your lease, it depends on the lease and the state you live in. Read your lease, and contact the landlord. You may need to contact a lawyer if the landlord is raising the rent AND the lease says that the rate should stay the same.

Answer 3

It really depends on what is in your lease. If there is a clause stating that your landlord has the right to raise rent at any time, then he has the right to do so. But, if your lease states that your rent will remain $595 throughout the term of the lease (1 year), then he has no legal right to raise your rent.

Answer 4

Absolutely not! A lease locks in that rate for the entire term. The rent can only be raise after the lease is expired and a new lease is signed. Check your local library for a book on renter's rights. I found that to be quite useful when I had problems with my landlord.

Answer 5

the lease protects you as the rentor and the landlord, it is a legally binding contract, if the lease says $595, in almost every case, that is what you will pay for the term of the signed lease

Answer 6

Personally I don't they they should be allowed to raise the rate, you sign a contract stating how much per month for a set amount of time. I have heard from many friends that their landlords have done this but I think it is BS.The landlord certainly wouldn't go along with it if you decided to lower your rate, would they? LOL. Sorry I know this was no help but thought I would let ya know I sympathize with ya.

Answer 7

Sounds like they think you have been living there a year + four days. Sounds like a glitch in their system. I recommend you contact the rental office to try to settle the misunderstanding. If that attempt fails, you need to consider consulting the local Better Business Department. Failing that, you could consult an attorney. The terms of the lease are binding.

Answer 8

I don't believe he can do that unless the original lease you singed allow him to do so. Read each word of the lease you signed carefully. If there is nothing that allows him to do such thing, tell your landlord the note is invalid.

Answer 9

NO. Its their mistake. If they wanted to raise your rent they should have stated so in the lease. You have a binding contract. You should call the Tenants Association or ask them why they did this.

Answer 10

That depends! Read your lease carefully, including the fine print. It will tell you if he can raise the rent before your lease expires.